{{Short description|Historic structure in Bangkok, Thailand}} {{Redirect|Sao Chingcha|the subdistrict|Sao Chingcha subdistrict}} {{otheruses|Giant swing (disambiguation){{!}}Giant swing}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2017}} [[File:Giant swing - Sao Chingcha crop 2013-05-20.jpg|thumb|right|The Giant Swing in Bangkok.]] The '''Giant Swing''', also known as '''Sao Chingcha''' or '''Sao Ching Cha''' ({{langx|th|เสาชิงช้า}}, ''{{RTGS|Sao Chingcha}}'', {{IPA|th|sǎw t͡ɕʰīŋ.t͡ɕʰáː|pron|Saochingchah.ogg}}), is a {{cvt|21.15|m|ft}}-tall, swing-shaped religious structure and a prominent landmark in the [[Sao Chingcha Subdistrict]] of [[Phra Nakhon District]], [[Bangkok]], Thailand. Located in front of [[Wat Suthat]], it was formerly used in a traditional [[Brahmin]] ceremony and is now one of Bangkok's notable tourist attractions.
It also stands directly before the [[Devasathan]] ("Thewasathan Bot Phram," meaning "the abode of the gods"), the Royal Brahmin Office of the Thai royal court. The site is central to the [[Triyampawai ceremony|Triyamphawai (Tripavai) ceremony]], a sacred Thai Brahman ritual rooted in the recitation of Tamil devotional [[Tiruppavai]] hymns.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://theprint.in/opinion/modis-bangkok-visit-india-thailand-friendship-is-heading-for-a-strategic-upgrade/2572767/ |title=Modi's Bangkok visit: India–Thailand friendship is heading for a strategic upgrade |work=ThePrint |access-date=20 April 2025}}</ref>
==History== {{see also | Sanskritisation | Greater India | Hinduism in Southeast Asia | Buddhism in Southeast Asia}} [[File:Chintawannakhadi (p 539).jpg|thumb|An illustration from the book mentioned below, depicting the [[Triyampawai ceremony]] during the reign of King [[Rama I]]]] The Giant Swing was constructed in 1784 in front of the [[Devasathan]] shrine by King [[Rama I]]. During the reign of [[Rama II]], the swing ceremony was discontinued as the swing had become structurally damaged by lightning. In 1920, it was renovated and moved to its current location in order to make space for a gas plant. The ceremony was again performed until 1935, when it was discontinued after several fatal accidents.
Further renovations were done in 1959. By 2005, the wooden pillars were showing signs of serious damage from exposure to the elements. A major reconstruction began in April 2005. Six teak tree trunks were used. The two used for the main structure of the swing are over 3.5 m in circumference and over 30m in height. The remaining four are used for support and have a circumference of 2.30 metres and a height of 20 metres.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mgronline.com/live/detail/9490000067781|script-title=th:จากไม้ป่าสู่ "เสาชิงช้า" ตั้งตระหง่านคู่กรุงรัตนโกสินทร์|trans-title=From forest wood to "Giant Swing", towering along the Rattanakosin capital|date=23 May 2006|newspaper=[[Manager Daily]]|access-date=18 December 2006|language=th|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260501052514/https://mgronline.com/live/detail/9490000067781|archive-date=1 May 2026|url-status=live}}</ref> The swing was taken down in late October 2006 and the work finished in December of the same year. The rebuilt swing was dedicated in royal ceremonies presided over by King [[Bhumibol Adulyadej]] in September 2007. The timbers of the original swing are preserved in the [[Bangkok National Museum]].
In 2005, the Giant Swing, together with Wat Suthat, was proposed as a future [[UNESCO World Heritage Site|World Heritage]] site.
==Annual sunset alignment== In addition, there is a phenomenon where the setting sun aligns perfectly with the center of the Giant Swing. This occurs once a year, though not on the exact same date each year, usually falling in early March. It creates a beautiful scene, making it popular among photographers. In 2025, this phenomenon took place on March 6.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thaiastro.nectec.or.th/skyevent/article/giantswing-sunset/|title=การคำนวณปรากฏการณ์ดวงอาทิตย์และดวงจันทร์ตกผ่านเสาชิงช้า กรุงเทพมหานคร|first=Vorachet|last=Boonplod|date=2025-03-13|accessdate=2026-04-27|language=thai|work=Thaiastro}}</ref>
==Surroundings== ===Wat Suthat Thep Wararam=== {{main|Wat Suthat}} [[File:เสาชิงช้า.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Wat Suthat]] (left) and the Giant Swing (right)]] [[Wat Suthat]] Thep Wararam, commonly shortened to "Wat Suthat", is an important temple in Thailand. Inside the grand hall is a Phra Sri Sagaya Munee, its principal Buddha image, which was acquired from Wat Mahathat in [[Sukhothai (city)|Sukhothai]]. Wat Suthat was built by King Rama I in the center of his capital, but it was completed in the reign of Rama III.<ref>ThammaThai "WatSuthat" Retrieved 19 October 2013, [http://www.dhammathai.org/watthai/bangkok/watsutat.php], 2013</ref> Many people often make pilgrimages to worship the Buddha, especially on holy days such as Visakha Bucha Day and Magha Bucha Day.
===Sarn Choa Po Seu or Tiger God Shrine=== {{main|Tiger God Shrine}} [[File:Giant Swing.jpg|thumb|Giant Swing as seen from [[Bamrung Mueang Road]]]] [[file:Bangkok Suan Romaninart Park IMG 6838.JPG|thumb|[[Watchtower]] of Rommaninat Park]] In the quarter there is also a well-known and high regarded Chinese shrine, Sarn Choa Po Seu ('tiger shrine'). Originally it was a building on [[Bamrung Mueang Road]], where the big Chinese communities were. Later, King Rama V expanded the road and had the shrine relocated to the current location on Ta Nao Road, near WatMahanaparam.<ref>Travel "PaiWaiSarnJaoPorSeu" Retrieved 19 October 2013, [http://travel.kapook.com/view8796.html], 2013</ref> The site is a place of worship for Thai and Chinese people seeking success in career, money, love, and infant fertility.
Built in 1834, during the reign of King Rama III, the Tiger God Shrine is one of the most ancient and famous shrines in Thailand. Moreover, this shrine has beautiful interior design and has some antiquities. Most people come to pay respect to "Tua Lao Aie", a Chinese God to have good fortune, especially on Chinese New Year's Day.<ref>ศาลเจ้าพ่อเสือ Retrieved 17 April 2017, [http://chaoporseua.blogspot.com/], 2017</ref>
===Lan Kon Mueng (Townspeople Plaza)=== At the heart of the quarter is LanKonMueng, in front of [[Bangkok City Hall|city hall]]. Every morning and evening, this is the recreational area of the locals, where they can exercise such as dance aerobics, jogging, stroll around, gather or just relax, bring children or pets out for a walk, and enjoy the breeze.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mgronline.com/travel/detail/9560000034732|script-title=th:เดินเล่น "เสาชิงช้า" ชมย่านเก่า-สะดือเมืองกรุงเทพ|date=22 March 2013|newspaper=[[ASTV Manager]]|access-date=19 November 2013|language=th|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250825111748/https://mgronline.com/travel/detail/9560000034732|archive-date=25 August 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Devasathan=== {{Main|Devasathan}} The [[Devasathan]] Shrine is the most important religious and ancient place for Hindus in Thailand. It was built in 1784 CE, during the reign of King Rama I. According to ancient tradition, it was built for holding officiating religious ceremonies in the past. Devasathan Shrine has many important sanctuaries: the Shiva and Parvati Shrine, the Brahma and Sarasvati Shrine, the Ganesha and Siddhi Shrine, and the Vishnu and Lakshmi Shrine.<ref>เทวสถาน Retrieved 17 April 2017, {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20171122092015/http://www.devasthan.org/newweb/%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B4%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%96%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%82%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%96%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2]}}, 2017</ref>
===Trok Mo Market=== {{main|Trok Mo Market}} In a small alley off Bamrung Mueang Road on the western side of the Sao Chingcha lies a long-established historic market and community. It was originally located at the present site of the City Hall under the name "Sao Chingcha Market," until 1973, when the [[Bangkok Metropolitan Administration]] building was constructed. The market was then relocated to its current site, a narrow and elongated lane. Despite its modest size, it remains a vibrant and lively morning market, operating from early morning until around 11 a.m.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.travelfish.org/eatandmeet_profile/thailand/bangkok_and_surrounds/bangkok/bangkok/2940|title=Trok Mor morning market|date=2023-08-13|accessdate=2026-04-16|work=Travelfish}}</ref>
===Vishnu Temple=== The small temple of Lord [[Vishnu]] on [[Unakan Road]], beside of Wat Suthat, was built in 1982, on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of Rattanakosin, by the Indian-Thai Chamber of Commerce Association as a sign of the good relations between Thailand and India. The idol of Vishnu was brought from India.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://siamrath.co.th/n/1449|title=กทม.จัดบวงสรวงใหญ่34ปี"พระวิษณุ"|language=th|date=2016-08-17|access-date=2020-05-19|work=Siam Rath|trans-title=BKK organized a large tribute for 34 years”Lord Vishnu”}}</ref>
===Benjamarachalai School=== {{main|Benjamarachalai School}} A girls' secondary school on Siriphong Road, just behind and diagonally opposite the Vishnu Temple, was established in 1913. It stands on the former site of the residence of Prince Marubongsa Siribadhana, a half-brother of King Rama V.
===Hindu Samaj Bangkok=== Adjacent to Benjamarachalai School is the Hindu Samaj Bangkok, an association of the [[Hinduism in Thailand|Hindu community in Thailand]]. Within its grounds is the Dev Mandir Temple, another important Hindu place of worship in Bangkok, established in 1925 under the [[Vaishnavite]] tradition. The temple houses several Hindu deities, with the principal deities being Vishnu and [[Lakshmi]]. It is a popular site for prayers related to love and relationships. Nearby is also Bharat Vidyalaya School, an educational institution offering classes from kindergarten to [[education in Thailand|Grade 6]], located in an adjacent alley.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://travel.kapook.com/view268403.html|work=Kapook.com|accessdate=2026-04-16|date=2023-07-25|title=วัดเทพมณเฑียร เสาชิงช้า วัดฮินดูที่คนโสดสายมูควรไปขอพรเรื่องหัวใจ|language=thai}}</ref>
===Rommaninat Park=== {{main|Rommaninat Park}} A small public park covering approximately 11 [[acre]]s was created in 1992 to commemorate the 60th birthday anniversary of Queen [[Sirikit]]. It was built on the former site of [[Klong Prem Central Prison]], and thus still retains some of the old structures that indicate its previous use as a correctional facility, such as watchtowers.
==Swing ceremony== {{main|Triyampawai ceremony}} [[File:The Swinging Festival.png|thumb|The Swinging Festival ca.1900]] An annual swinging ceremony known as ''Triyampavai-Tripavai'' was held at Giant Swings of major cities until 1935, when it was abolished for safety reasons.<ref>{{cite book |author=M. E. Manickavasagam Pillai |title=Dravidian Influence in Thai Culture |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=soFCAAAAYAAJ |year=1986 |publisher=Tamil University |page=69 }}</ref> The name of the ceremony was derived from the names of two [[Tamil language]] Hindu chants: ''[[Thiruvempavai]]'' (a [[Shaivism|Shaivite]] hymn by [[Manikkavacakar]]) and ''[[Tiruppavai|Thiruppavai]]'' (a [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnavite]] hymn by Andal). Among Thai people, the ceremony was popularly known as ''Lo Jin Ja'' ("pulling the swing"). It is known that Tamil verses from ''Thiruvempavai'' — Sivalaya Vasal Thirappu ("opening the portals of Shiva's home") — were recited at this ceremony and verses from ''Tirupavai'', as well as the coronation ceremony of the [[Monarchy of Thailand|Thai king and queen]].<ref name="Upendra_1986">{{cite book |author=Upendra Thakur |title=Some Aspects of Asian History and Culture |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m42TldA_OvAC&pg=PA27 |year=1986 |publisher=Abhinav |isbn=978-81-7017-207-9 |pages=27–28 }}</ref> As said by T.P. Meenakshisundaram, the name of the festival shows that Thiruppavai has been recited as well.<ref>{{cite book |title=Consider Our Vow: Translation of Tiruppāvai and Tiruvempāvai Into English |author=Norman Cutler |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2fMOAAAAMAAJ |year=1979 |publisher=Muttu Patippakam |page=13 }}</ref>
According to ancient [[Hindus|Hindu]] mythology, after [[Brahma]] created the world he sent [[Shiva]] to look after it. When Shiva descended to the earth, [[Nāga|Naga]] serpents wrapped around the mountains in order to keep the earth in place. After Shiva found the earth solid, the Nagas moved to the seas in celebration and made the earth stable completely. The Swing Ceremony was a re-enactment of this. The pillars of the Giant Swing represented the mountains, while the circular base of the swing represented the earth and the seas. In the ceremony Brahamanas would swing, trying to grab a bag of coins placed on one of the pillars.
==In popular culture== The Giant Swing is featured in the video games ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' as part of the Bangkok Rush racecourse.
==See also== * The appearance of the Giant Swing is sometimes confused with unrelated gate structures in other Asian cultures:
** [[Hongsalmun]], gate in Korean architecture ** [[Iljumun]], first gate of Korean Buddhist temple ** [[Paifang]], Chinese architectural arch or gateway structure ** [[Shanmen]], gate of Chinese Buddhist temple ** [[Tam quan]], gate of Vietnamese temple ** [[Torii]], Japanese gate found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category|Giant Swing, Sao Chingcha subdistrict, Bangkok}} * {{Osmway|178353988}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20130327163733/http://bangkoktourist.com/theme_6/attraction_detail.asp?lang=en&id_attraction_detail=35 Information from the Bangkok Tourism Division] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20070227234509/http://www.nationmultimedia.com/search/page.arcview.php?clid=2&id=114548&date=2005-04-17 Newspaper article on the 2005 restoration] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20090623224317/http://brahmin.siamfoundation.org/thai/?page_id=242 Brahminism in Thailand] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20050505232803/http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/MassTransit/giantswing.shtml 2Bangkok on the 2005 renovation]
{{Visitor attractions in Bangkok}} {{Coord|13|45|7|N|100|30|5|E|type:landmark_region:TH-10|display=title}}
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Bangkok]] [[Category:Hindu studies]] [[Category:Phra Nakhon district]] [[Category:Registered ancient monuments in Bangkok]] [[Category:Road junctions in Bangkok]] [[Category:Tourist attractions in Bangkok]]